Frome Valley Walkway
www.fromewalkway.org.uk20 km walkway of paths running alongside River Frome between Old Sodbury and Castle Park, Bristol. Route passes through wide ranging landscapes, including meadows, pasture land, sandstone gorges and woodlands. Trail is a mixture of hard surfaces and field paths, with some styles and gates.
Path Starting Points:
Castle Park, Eastville Park, Snuff Mills, Frenchay, Yate and Old Sodbury.
Free colour leaflet on trail is available from Avon - Frome Partnership, call 0117 - 922 4469 or contact South Gloucester Council, Tel: 01454-863 725.
Community Forest Path
Community Forest Path, Bristol.46 mile, recreational route around Bristol. Route offers scenic views, picnic sites, nature trails, wildlife watching and points of historical interest. 6 different walks available along path.
Various different access points to route, including Ashton Court Estate, Blaise Castle Estate, Willsbridge Mill and many more.
For more information, the ‘Community Forest Path’ is shown on 2004 edition of Ordance Survey Explorer 155 Bristol and Bath map.
River Avon Trail
www.riveravontrail.org.ukScenic riverside trail, which runs through wide range of ever-changing landscapes, such as mud flats, Avon Gorge, Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristols quayside and Cotswolds countryside.
Trail is fairly flat and is mixture of paths and pavements. Ideal for families, as very few gates and stiles. Parts of trail also open to cyclists.
Various starting points for trail, including: Pill Harbour, Greville Smyth Park, Castle Park, Conham River Park, Hanham Weir, Keynsham, Saltford and Bath.
Free colour trail guide available from Avon - Frome Partnership, Tel: 0117 - 922 4469.
Avon Timberland Cycle Trail
www.forestofavon.org.uk/out-and-about/cycle-routes/timberland-trail Avon Timberland Cycle Trail, Ashton Court Estate, Long Ashton, Bristol. BS41 9JNPopular mountain bike trail, located within the Ashton Court Estate.
Yellow Trail:
Rough tracks, but not too technical. Great for children and inexperienced riders.
Pink Trail:
Located in 50 acre wood on the estate. More rugged terrain, suitable for more experienced riders.
(All trails become more difficult after wet weather).
For trail map information see website, or visit/contact Ashton Court Estate Visitor Centre, Tel: 0117 - 963 9174.
Strawberry Line
www.thestrawberryline.co.uk10 mile route, which was originally built as a railway line. Mainly flat path, with good surface. Route is suitable for walkers, pushchairs and cyclists. You can join the route at Yatton Railway Station / Nature Reserve and then pass through Congresbury, Sandford and Winscombe, ending at Cheddar Station, (some road crossings). Lovely views of the surrounding countryside. See website or call 01275 - 888538 for more information.
Bristol to Bath Railway Path
www.bristolbathrailwaypath.org.uk13 mile path. A great off-road route which stretches between Bristol and Bath and includes lovely views of the South Cotswolds. Path mostly level, so suitable for walkers, pushchairs and cyclists.
Starting Points:
Trinity Street, in Lawrence Hill, Bristol.
Brass Mill Lane, Bath.
(Can also join route at various points in-between).
Call Avon Valley Partnership 0117 - 922 4325 or Forest of Avon 0117 - 953 2141, for free leaflet and route map.
Ashton Court Estate
www.forestofavon.org.uk Long Ashton, BS41 9JN 0117 9639174 2 entrances off the A369, one at Kennel Lodge Road and one at Clifton Lodge, (opp. Bridge Road). Third entrance off A370 at Church Lodge (opp. Long Ashton). Open: 8am-dusk.Great for: picnics, deer feeding, events, miniature railway, pitch and put, cafe, bike rides, woods.
Ashton Court Estate is a huge heritage estate with woodland, grassland and meadowland to explore. There is plenty of space for family games and picnics. There are many tracks that are suitable for toddlers or for walking with a backpack, and some suitable for buggies. The Avon Cycle Way also runs from Long Ashton through the estate to Clifton Lodge. More info: visit the Ashton Court Visitor Centre, in the Stable Court Yard of Ashton Court Mansion.
Sources of Information - walks
www.ramblers.org.ukHas lots of tips for family walks, for even the smallest ramblers.
Forest of Avon.
www.forestofavon.org.uk Ashton Court Visitor, Bristol, BS41 9JN. Tel: 0117 - 953 2141An amazing user friendly website listing the woodlands, nature reserves, heritage sites and country parks within the Forest of Avon. Find out everything you need to know about walking, biking, kite flying, and much more, in this neck of the woods.
Avon Wildlife Trust.
www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk Avon Wildlife Trust, 32 Jacobs Wells Rd, Bristol. BS8 1DR. Tel: 0117 - 917 7270This charity is dedicated to protecting wildlife. It has two centres, one at Folly Farm, Chew Valley and one at Willsbridge Mill, Keynsham. They offer activities and walks for families.
Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.
www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk Tel: 0117 - 917 7270For nature reserves and walks for families, plus lots more interesting information.
Somerset Wildlife Trust.
www.somersetwildlife.org Tel: 01823 - 652400Information about Reserves, and much more.
Soil Association Organic Farms
Soil Association Organic Farms.Enjoy the great outdoors, while learning a little more about organic farming and meeting the animals. Organic farms with open access to the public are available at:
Barley Wood Walled Garden, Bristol.
Long Lane, Wrington, Nr Bristol. BS40 5SA.Open to the public 9:30am-4:30pm daily, (April - Oct).
Hindon Farm
www.hindonfarm.co.uk Bratton, near Minehead, Somerset, TA24 8SH. Tel: 01643 - 705 244Contact the farm for shop opening times. Whether you wish to visit the farm shop, stay in the holiday cottage or picnic along the farm trail.
Norwood Farm
Bath Road, Norton St Phillip, Bath, North Somerset. BA2 7LP. Tel: 01373 - 834356Opening times: 10:30am-6:00pm every day, last entry 4:30pm, (from March to September - call for exact dates).
For more information, and more farms, see:
www.soilassociation.org - ‘get involved’ then ‘visit’ an organic farm.
Brean Down Fort
www.nationaltrust.org.uk Brean Down Fort, Brean Down, Brean, Somerset. TA8 2RS Tel: 01278 - 751 209 3 miles from Burnham.One of the landmarks of the Somerset coastline, Brean Down juts out into the Bristol Channel. It is protected by the National Trust and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its exceptional natural history. In the 1980’s and 1990’s, the Victorian barracks were renovated and made safe to ensure that visitors can safely walk around the remains of the fort today. There are two cafes near the beach, plus a small visitor centre and a bird garden.
Long Wood
Long Wood, Nr Cheddar, Somerset. Tel: 01823-652400 Email: enquiries@somersetwildlife.org Open all year. Off the Charterhouse-Shipham road, about 1/2 mile west of Charterhouse.An ancient woodland in a valley just north of Cheddar Gorge, owned by Somerset Wildlife Trust. Check the information board at the entrance, and follow the circular nature trail (about 1 1/2 miles and often muddy). If you visit in late spring, you’ll see carpets of bluebells, wild garlic and other flowers. Look out for orchids in the grassland near the entrance. A stream runs through the northern end of the reserve, disappearing underground into the cave of Longwood Swallet, (access controlled by Charterhouse Caving Company).
Clevedon Poet’s Walk
Clevedon Poet’s Walk. Access: Pay & Display at Salt House Fields or street parking.A wonderful, easy-going, short walk (about 1.5 miles) around the headland with good views across the Severn. Suitable for pushchairs (two flights of steps) with a nice clean public toilet. Start at the Salt House Fields car park, walk along the Front towards the headland, up the first flight of steps, and along the path. Continue along the undulating, fenced tarmac path on the top of the cliff to St Andrews Church. On the right hand side of the church you should see a sign for the walk, follow the path back towards your starting point. (See Beaches).
Folly Farm
www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk Folly Farm, Nr Bishop Sutton, Bath & NE Somerset. Tel: 0117 - 917 7270 Email: mail@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk Open all year. Follow the A368 west from the A37 for about 1.5 miles. Folly farm is signposted up a track to the left.A large nature reserve owned by Avon Wildlife Trust including wildflower meadows, ancient woodland and 17th century farm buildings, (being restored to provide visitor facilities), with spectacular views over Chew Valley Lake and the Mendips. Visit in summer for butterflies and meadows brimming with flowers such as ox-eye daisies and orchids. An Access for All trail through the woodland is waymarked from the car park. You could bring a picnic or visit the nearby Carpenters Arms at Stanton Wick.
Weston Big Wood
www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk Weston Big Wood, Nr Portishead, North Somerset. Tel: 0117 - 917 7270 Email: mail@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk Open all yearFrom the B3124 Clevedon-Portishead road, turn into Valley Road just north of Weston-in-Gordano. Park in the lay-by 300m on the right, and walk up the hill. Steps lead into the wood from the road.
One of the area’s largest ancient woodlands, dating back to the last Ice Age, this Avon Wildlife Trust nature reserve is rich in wildlife, including butterflies, woodpeckers, tawny owls, bats and numerous badger setts. In spring, the ground is covered with wood anemones, violets and masses of bluebells. The old stones, ditches and banks are thought to be medieval boundaries used to divide the wood into sectors. The reserve is criss-crossed with a network of (sometimes muddy) footpaths; keep away from the quarry sides.
Minchinhampton Common
www.nationaltrust.org Minchinhampton Common, Stroud, Gloucestershire. Tel: 01452 - 814213 (South of Stroud, between Minchinhampton and Nailsworth). Great for: picnicsA large open space on a hill-top plateau of the Cotswolds with dramatic views over the surrounding countryside. Great for picnics, walks and flying kites. The common has a special mix of wildflowers, including cowslips and orchids, as well as a diversity of birds, butterflies and other insects. It’s also one of the most important archaeological sites in Britain, with prehistoric field systems, a Neolithic long barrow, medieval roads and military defences from the Second World War.
Coaley Peak
www.gloucestershire.gov.uk Coaley Peak, Nr Nympshield, Stroud, Gloucestershire. Tel: 01452 - 425666/863170 On the B4066 Stroud-Uley Rd, about 1/2 mile from Nympsfield.Great for picnics.
Picnic site on the edge of the Cotswolds escarpment with panoramic views towards the Forest of Dean - on a clear day, you can see the Black Mountains in Wales. The 12 - acre area has been reclaimed as a wildflower meadow, with picnic tables and open grassland good for flying kites. It also includes Nympsfield long barrow, a neolithic burial chamber. The Cotswold Way runs the length of the site, and you can stroll through the adjacent Stanley Woods.
Leyhill Arboretum
Leyhill Arboretum, HMP Leyhill, Tortworth, Wotton-Under-Edge, GL12 Tel: 01454 - 264345 Daily 9am-4pm. 1/2 mile from M5, J12, on B4509 towards WottonAn interesting collection of trees and ornamental gardens managed by Leyhill Prison (regular exhibitor at Chelsea Flower Show), adjacent to the Tortworth Court Hotel - an impressive Victorian mansion. Several short, circular walks on small paths through the arboretum (not buggy friendly). The adjacent visitor centre is no longer open.
The Cube - Baby Cinema
www.cubecinema.com The Cube Cinema, 4 Princess Row, Kingsdown, Bristol. BS2 8NQ Tel: 0117 - 907 4190 Email: cubeadmin@microplex.cubecinema.com or nanoplex@microplex.cubecinema.com‘Baby Cinema’ screenings, for parents and carers with babies under 1 year old, held every Wednesday 11am. Area for pushchairs and baby changing facilities provided. Volume of films lowered and extra lighting also provided in auditorium.
Curzon Cinema - Mum & Baby Screenings
www.curzon.org.uk Curzon Cinema, Old Church Road, Clevedon, BS21 6NN Tel: 01275 - 871000 Email: info@curzon.org.ukOffers parent and baby only screenings every Wednesday morning 10am, (term-time only, film starts 10:30am). Auditorium lighting set slightly lighter so babies aren’t frightened and volume levels also slightly lowered. Changing facilities provided before and during the film and microwave available. Screenings are open to anyone accompanying a baby up to 18 months old, (older children welcome in addition, if film certificate is suitable). Variety of different certified films regularly shown.
La Forge - Roquebrun
www.le-guide.com/laforge/ House rental nr Cessenon St Chinian Herault LanguedocThis is a lovely old house in the centre of Roquebrun. Sleeps up to 10. Private roof terrace, courtyard, terrace. Air conditioning. There is a beautiful view with a walk to river swimming, restaurants/cafes and a pattiserie.
This house is an affordable, well thought out, family holiday rental within the centre of a working wine village surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in France. Cots, toddler beds, changing mats and a baby bath are included, and the owner Julie will organise any baby extras if you let her know in advance. 100% white cotton bedlinen is provided on real beds/click clacks, not blow ups, or mattresses on the floor. Fantastic holiday for families with children who want an independent holiday, with good weather, without the expensive school holiday month prices. Roquebrun is known locally as Petit Nice, with temperatures in the early 20’s in May, and staying warm well into October.
Baby Sensory
www.babysensory.co.uk Maria Ure 07760 296834 email: bristoleast@babysensory.co.ukAward winning sensory development classes in Staple Hill & Warmley. A new class is opening in January 2009 in Kingswood. See website for class times and venue addresses.
Bocabar
www.bocabar.co.uk Paintworks Bath Rd Arnos Vale BS4 3EH 0117 9728838Described as a ‘mecca for families’. Open 10am-12-midnight monday-thursday, 10-2am friday-saturday and 10am-11pm sunday. Tapas and cakes are served all day, deli sandwiches, pizza (evenings only), and breakfast (mornings from 10am).
Revilo Toys
www.revilotoys.co.uk 5:15 PaintworksBath Road
Bristol
BS4 3EHTel: 01179 723 195
E-mail: orders@revilotoys.co.uk
Holistic View Reflexology
www.holisticview.co.uk Elena Yates BA, Dip BSR, MIFR 01275 392949, 07876 443288Clifton Lido
www.lidobristol.com LidoOakfield Place
Clifton
Bristol BS8 2BJ Reception: 0117 933 9530
Restaurant: 0117 933 9533
Email: spa@lidobristol.com
Directions: View on Google Maps
Opening Times: Restaurant - Everyday 12 - 3pm & 6:30 - 10pm, Spa - Everyday 7am - 10pm, Poolside Bar - All day.
Charles Clinkards
www.charlesclinkard.co.uk Charles Clinkards, Unit 64, Lower Level, The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, Bristol. BS34 5GG Tel: 0845 - 0179 059Measure and fit children’s shoes. Sell wide range of children’s shoes including ‘Clarks’ and ‘Lelli Kelly’, pre-walkers, boots, slippers, sports shoes and wellies.
Sleepyheads
www.sleepyheadsmailorder.co.uk Sleepyheads Mail Order Company, 4 St Lucia Close, Horfield, Bristol. BS7 OXS Email: customerservice@sleepyheadsmailorder.co.ukBristol based mail order company. Provide children’s nightwear and soft furnishings, from birth to 12 years.
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